Heybeliada, Princes’ Islands, Turkey

The second largest island in the group of Princes’ Islands, it’s less touristy than the neighbouring and larger island of Büyükada. It is 20 kilometres from Istanbul and with its beautiful transparent sea, lush greenery and cobbled streets, devoid of cars it’s a delightful place to head for a day or two.

The well-groomed streets will remind you of European towns with tangerines and fig trees growing fruit along the streets, which you can pick and eat if they are ripe. The best way to get around is to hire a horse-drawn cart (Phaeton) or rent a bicycle, although the island is so small that you can walk around the most interesting places in a couple of hours. 

The focus of the island is the embankment next to the pier and the street parallel where there are several cafes, a couple of shops as well as places where you can rent a bicycle.

Near the pier, in the lane İmralı Sokak, there is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (1857). In the central part of the island you'll find the Holy Trinity Monastery and the Kamariotissa Monastery, dating back to the 11th century. Many patriarchs are buried on the territory, for example, Kalinnik II, the last primate of the Pech Patriarchate.

In the southwestern part of the island, you will see the Skete of St. Spyridon, founded by a Thracian monk in the middle of the 19th century. You can’t miss the pink building.

You can also get acquainted with the diversity of the flora of the Princes' Islands in the natural national park, just  600 metres from the waterfront. There are several places for picnics, under the many conifers and between the exotic plants.

There are also two good beaches in Heybeliada. The first one is Asaf family beach and the second one is Ada Beach Club. Look for them near Mill Cape. The wide pebbly shore is surrounded by pine trees making it very picturesque.

All vehicles are prohibited on the island, except for fire and police cars.